Proverbs 25:11
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
I know with great clarity, that I have been “that person,” who said ‘what should not be said,’ when encountering someone who is deeply hurting.
It’s embarrassing. And the minute it comes from your mouth, you instinctively know, “Ugh… why did I say that?!”
In fact, I’ve gotten to the point that I silently pray, “Lord, help me not say somethin’ stupid.” If you are reading this, and I’ve been that person who said something very insensitive to you, I apologize.
Last Friday at our Iron Sharpens Iron luncheon, our speaker, Carol Godwin, who has experienced widowhood not once, but twice, shared some of the worst things to say to people who are experiencing grief. Many are very common cliches. I think they are worth sharing, so that you will not be ‘that person.’
The Worst Things to Say to Someone in Grief
1. At least she lived a long life, many people die young.
2. He is in a better place.
3. She brought this on herself.
4. There is a reason for everything.
5. Aren’t you over him yet, he has been dead awhile now.
6. You can still have another child.
7. She was such a good person. God wanted her to be with Him.
8. I know how you feel.
9. She did what she came here to do and it was her time to go.
10. Be strong.
My personal favorite – or not-so-much is number 2, “He is in a better place.”
My gut honest response wants to be, “If he didn’t know Jesus he’s not. And if he did, ‘a better place,’ doesn’t even come close to describing heaven!”
What’s your “personal favorite?”